Vera tapped him on the shoulder, “Che stronzo,” she muttered, “Asshole.” A serious expression crossed her face. “I’m serious. I like her.”
They stood shoulder to shoulder, watching Autumn. Did he really love her? Was heil testa dura? Stubborn? Nico didn’t think so. But perhaps both women in his extended family were right.
He wasn’t thinking with the head between his legs when it came to Autumn.
That may be a tad wrong, mi amici.
Without thinking, Nico went over to the live band. After the song ended, he grabbed the microphone. “I want to thank everyone for coming to my welcome home party.” He grinned at the snickers and laughter. “It's been a while since I’ve been here, and I have missed this place, even with all the crazy running around, yeah?” Again, with the laughter.
Nico scratched the side of his head and spoke in Italian to one of the band's lead members.
The man grinned and looked in the crowd. Nico winked when his gaze found Autumn.
She looked around as others started finding dance partners as the song’s intro started. Nico didn’t let go of her eyes. “I’m a little rusty at this, but let’s see if I can do Tommaso Paradiso proud.” Someone gave a shrill whistle. It was Mario, Nico mused. “This song is calledNon Avere Paura.” Nico saw Autumn’s eyelid twitch. “For the non-Italian speakers, it means ‘Do Not Be Afraid’.”
As he sang, Nico didn’t take his eyes off Autumn. It seemed as if she understood the words or had an inkling of what they meant. Halfway through the song, Nico gave the microphone back to one performer and walked off the side of the platform.
He moved to Autumn’s side and took her in his arms. His forehead touched hers, “Hi,” he whispered, his eyes on her lips.
“Hi, I didn’t know you could sing.”
“You never asked,” he grinned down at her. He kissed the back of one of her hands. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
Autumn smiled, “I am. I never expected to have this much fun. I thought I was going to be like a fish out of water.”
“And here I thought you were waiting for me to rescue you from the monsters running around.”
“Oh yes,” Autumn nodded sagely, “They’re little terrors.” She faked a shudder, then smiled up at him. She took her hands from him and wrapped them around his neck. Nico’s arms went to her waist and pulled her against him. This differed from Cat Tails, Nico mused. Autumn appeared comfortable. Willing to be in his arms.
“I like your family,” she whispered. “I wish I could pack them up and bring them home with me.”
“Luna said you’re welcome anytime.”
Autumn raised an eyebrow. “Did she?”
“Well,” Nico hedged, a grin coming into his voice. “Maybe not those exact words but, you're safe here.”
Autumn smiled as the next song washed over them. She looked up at his lips, then away.
Nico lifted her chin, then lowered his face towards hers. His lips took hers in a gentle sweep, as if asking for entrance. Autumn breathed into him, nodded, and opened her mouth. He took over from there and didn’t care who was watching.
Nico Scala was claiming what was his.
“Get a room!”
Nico flipped up his finger in whatever general direction Mario yelled from. He smiled into Autumn’s mouth and let up from her lips.
Autumn bit her lower lip. Light color moved up her neck, then to her cheeks.
Nico released her, “Have you had enough socializing?”
Autumn nodded, “Yes, I need a little air.”
He took her hand, “Come on.”
Before they could leave, he noticed Luna in the doorway. She tilted her lips half smiling and held up a familiar key. As they came closer, she dropped it in his hand, “You forgot something,nipottino. Everything is ready for you.”
“Grazie, Zia.”
